Backpack-NZ – General Info for New Zealand
General Information About New Zealand
Planning a backpacking trip to New Zealand? This guide will help you get your bearings, discover what the country is known for and start exploring the North and South Islands.
At Backpack-NZ, we want to help you get started on the right foot, whether you’re planning your route, looking for unforgettable experiences or simply wondering what to expect when you arrive.
New Zealand at a glance
- Country: New Zealand, also known by its Māori name, Aotearoa New Zealand
- Capital city: Wellington
- Currency: New Zealand dollar (NZD)
- Main languages: English, te reo Māori and New Zealand Sign Language
- Main islands: The North Island and South Island, along with many smaller islands
New Zealand is a remote island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, southeast of Australia. Its distance from many other countries is part of what makes it such a special destination for travellers.
Where is New Zealand?
If you spin a globe, find Australia and look across the Tasman Sea to the southeast — bingo, you’ve found New Zealand!
The country is made up of two main islands, the North Island and the South Island, as well as numerous smaller islands. Despite its relatively small population, New Zealand has an incredible variety of landscapes, from volcanic areas and golden beaches to mountain ranges, forests, lakes and dramatic fjords.
What is the capital city?
The capital city of New Zealand is Wellington, at the southern end of the North Island, close to the Cook Strait crossing to the South Island.
Wellington is known for its waterfront, cafés, cultural attractions and creative atmosphere. You can find more ideas in our Wellington destination guide.
What is New Zealand like?
A note from the Boss!
When I first arrived in New Zealand, I had already been travelling for a while and was a long way from home. I remember getting off the plane and almost instantly feeling as though I was back home. It was a surreal feeling after spending so much time travelling, and I suspect the familiar weather had something to do with it!
When I arrived in Auckland, it was grey, miserable and raining. Despite that, there was a positive energy in the atmosphere.
As I travelled around, I couldn’t help but soak up the beautiful scenery. New Zealand reminded me a little of Canada, but on a smaller scale. There were mountains, beaches and fjords, along with landscapes that brought parts of Europe and Scandinavia to mind.
You soon notice how the mountains seem to follow you around. One minute you’re looking at a brilliant blue lake; the next, you’re passing through forests or discovering another spectacular stretch of coastline. It’s a country that makes you want to keep exploring.
Start with our guide to things to do in New Zealand for ideas on where to go.
Explore North Island destination guides
Explore South Island destination guides
What is New Zealand famous for?
Adventure and outdoor activities
New Zealand is famous for adventure activities and spectacular outdoor scenery. Depending on where you travel, you can try bungy jumping, skydiving, rafting, caving, mountain biking, hiking, snowboarding, luge rides, Zorbing and canyon swings.
You don’t have to be an adrenaline junkie, either. There are beaches, walking tracks, wildlife encounters, scenic drives and plenty of free outdoor experiences.
The North and South Islands
The two main islands have their own character, and both offer plenty to explore.
The North Island is known for its volcanic landscapes, geothermal activity around Rotorua, beaches, Māori cultural experiences and lively cities.
Explore North Island destination guides
Browse North Island tours and activities
The South Island is famous for its mountain scenery, glaciers, lakes, dramatic fjords and opportunities to spot wildlife, including dolphins and seabirds.
Explore South Island destination guides
South Island Tours & Activities
Both islands offer a huge variety of experiences. The challenge is often deciding what to fit into your trip!
Wildlife
New Zealand has some remarkable native wildlife, including birds that are difficult to find anywhere else.
The kiwi is New Zealand’s iconic, flightless, nocturnal bird. Seeing one in the wild can be difficult, so a visit to a wildlife sanctuary or other facility with a suitable nocturnal habitat may be a more realistic option for travellers.
Another characterful native bird is the kea, a large alpine parrot found in parts of the South Island. Kea are intelligent, curious and sometimes mischievous around visitors’ belongings. If you meet one, admire it from a distance and don’t feed it.
Sheep
There’s a long-running joke about New Zealand having more sheep than people. Sheep farming has certainly played an important part in the country’s history, and you’ll still see plenty of sheep in rural areas.
Rugby and the All Blacks
Have you heard of the All Blacks? New Zealand’s national rugby union team is famous around the world.
One of the best-known parts of the team’s pre-match routine is the haka, a Māori ceremonial performance. It has deep cultural significance and is more than simply a way to intimidate an opponent. Māori culture is an important part of New Zealand’s identity and can be experienced in many different ways throughout the country.
Do people speak English in New Zealand?
English is widely spoken, so most English-speaking visitors will find it relatively easy to communicate while travelling around New Zealand.
You’ll also encounter te reo Māori, the Māori language, in place names, greetings, signs and everyday life. Learning a few words, such as kia ora (a greeting often used to mean hello), is a lovely way to engage with the country.
What is New Zealand’s culture like?
Māori are the tangata whenua — the Indigenous people of New Zealand — and Māori culture is an important part of the country’s identity and heritage.
You may encounter Māori history, language, art, food, stories and cultural performances as you travel. Experiences vary between communities, so take the opportunity to learn from local hosts and follow their guidance when visiting culturally significant places.
New Zealand’s contemporary culture has also been shaped by Pacific, British, European, Asian and many other communities. Today, it is a diverse country with a mix of traditions, influences and ways of life.
Respect for the natural environment is also an important part of many New Zealand experiences. As a visitor, you can help by following local guidance, respecting wildlife and leaving places as you found them.
For more information, see the New Zealand Government’s guide to Māori culture and heritage.
Start planning your New Zealand trip
Now that you have an introduction to the country, these guides can help you plan the practical details:
Getting around: Read our guide to how to travel around New Zealand.
When to visit: See our guide to the best time to go backpacking in New Zealand
Budgeting: Work out your likely expenses with our New Zealand travel cost guide.
Choosing destinations: Start with our New Zealand highlights and travel ideas.
Once you’ve chosen where to go, explore the relevant destination guides for things to see and do. We’ll also be adding relevant tours and activities where booking options are available.
In the meantime please use the below useful links!
North Island Blog
North Island Tours & Activities
South Island Blog
South Island Tours & Activities
